Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
This qualitative research approach can be used to investigate the nature
of movement in animals and may provide useful information through the
comparative analysis of types of movements achieved by animals of similar
species. This could include research into the variable nature of flight in birds
as a result of the physiological differences between them determined by
the size, shape, and aspect ratio of wings or the manner in which feeding
behavior differs between bird species and is determined by such things as the
availability and the nature of the food source and the shape and size of beaks.
Information gathered using qualitative research may provide the researcher
with a set of impressions of the subject. These impressions can then form the
basis for further analysis, which could in turn then require further work using
quantitative research methods to gain numerical data. As we can see, research
is not a one-size-fits-all process.
Research Methods
The purpose of research is to discover new knowledge and provide a solid
underpinning of the work of any given practitioner. Given that, it would seem
to follow that a number of options are open to you, including your choice
of research methods that you can employ in your studies in a particular
discipline or of a given subject.
The subject of research and the research questions we ask on a subject may
determine the nature of the research and the kind of research techniques
we adopt. As we have already seen, some approaches and methods may be
more appropriate than others, depending on the subject and results we seek.
It might be perfectly feasible and appropriate to use more than one method
that will provide different kinds of data or information.
Here I categorize a few of the main research methods in an attempt to simplify
the terminology that some may find a little confusing. I have attempted to
make that language clearer and perhaps a little less off-putting.
This list is not comprehensive, but it does cover some of the research methods
you might come across elsewhere.
Heuristic
Heuristic
is a term for a kind of research that depends on a researcher's direct
experience and relies more on his intuition and application of common sense
than would a more scientific approach or the gathering of scientific data.
Heuristic research relies on a trial-and-error approach to problem solving,
using a rule-of-thumb methodology and taking an educated guess. It relies on
the researcher's “gut feeling,” and as a result tends to provide information that
is in principle accurate though perhaps less reliable in providing completely
accurate and detailed data. This approach to research may be perfectly
acceptable if the results you are seeking do not need to stand up to scientific
